ORIGINAL: gaRCfield
1) I've heard the 'barbell' analogy before, but to me it almost makes sense to have the weights spread out with the result being increased stability; it would require a more deliberate input to get the plane to pivot. I'm probably wrong and missing something, but it just seems like a centered mass would seem more 'tipsy'.
For a given control input or bit of turbulence, the reaction of the barbell will start and stop slower, and the duration of the reaction will be longer. This can have the appearance of being "smooth", but it is also much harder to control as a pilot. Simple test is to put 4 oz on each wingtip and attempt point rolls.....I don't think you'll be happy with the aileron response....especially if you try a quick, compact, 8 point roll.
ORIGINAL: gaRCfield
2) I don't know anything about the efficiency of pull-pull vs. efficiency of a pushrod.
Exactly! But one contributes to the barbell effect.
Regards,
Dave